Six players that need to impress on Arsenal’s American tour

Mikel Arteta will expect to learn a lot about his new Arsenal team throughout the preseason in the United States and the Emirates Cup before the start of the season next season.

Aside from signing top stars such as Bukayo Saka and William Saliba to new contracts in recent months, Arteta has added three of the best players he could sign this summer in the form of Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, and Declan Rice to his team.

Despite the fact that Arsenal are currently better than they were last season as a result of the moves they have completed, Arteta has yet to meet all of the players he can rely on for his project.

Which gets us to the question of which Arsenal players have something to show in the final pre-season games.

1. Kai Havertz

There is little faith in the 24-year-old. After seeing him seem confused against Nurnberg and then fail to impress in the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, Arsenal fans are wondering if he was really worth the money.

The ex-Blue must rapidly adjust to his role on Arteta’s team in the remaining pre-season games in order to earn Arteta’s and the Gooners’ faith ahead of next season.

2. Falorin Balogun

Yes, it is expected that he will be sold. But, after taking Ligue 1 by storm on loan at Stade de Reims, scoring 21 goals in 37 appearances, Arteta will almost certainly give him a chance to demonstrate what he’s got. With this opportunity, the Hale End Graduate should demonstrate why Arteta can trust him for his attack.

3. Takehiro Tomiyasu

Tomiyasu had a dismal 2022–23 season, save for an impressive performance as left back against Liverpool. Unlike other players who did not play much last season, he is expected to stay; in fact, he is expected to be moved from right back to left back. Arteta may try him in his new role throughout the preseason. He should perform well then, since if he doesn’t, Jakub Kiwior may pass him in the race to be Zinchenko’s backup.

4. Kieran Tierney

He was practically guaranteed to leave when this transfer window opened. However, as the days pass in this transfer window, it is becoming increasingly unlikely that he will go. Top teams like Newcastle and Manchester City, which were closely associated with his swoop, are no longer interested in signing him. There has been speculation of him returning to Celtic on loan, although even that appears to be greatly influenced by the media. Tierney is an excellent defender, and if given the opportunity to play in pre-season, he must seize the opportunity to demonstrate his ability to adjust to the demands. Who knows? Arteta might simply change his system to give him a position in his lineup if he can impress.

6. Emile Smith-Rowe

The Hale End Graduate is eager to contribute significantly to Arsenal’s campaign next season.
He has what it takes, but after reuniting with his colleagues in the United States, he must push for pre-season opportunities, capitalise on the momentum he gained from impressing in the Euro 21, and demonstrate why, at times, someone like Odegaard, Havertz, or Martinelli should be benched for him next season.